Festivals

Sankranti is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Kakinada, marking the harvest season in January. It is a time of joy and prosperity when people decorate their homes with colorful rangoli, fly kites, and prepare traditional dishes like Pongal. Families gather to thank nature for a good harvest, and the festival also includes cultural programs, bullock cart races, and traditional dances that reflect the rich rural traditions of Andhra Pradesh.

Ugadiis celebrated in Kakinada as the Telugu New Year, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity. It usually falls in March or April and marks the start of the new lunar calendar. People clean and decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and prepare the special dish Ugadi Pachadi, which combines six tastes representing different emotions of life. Temples are visited for blessings, and cultural programs, music, and traditional dances add to the festive spirit across the city.

Vinayaka Chavithi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is celebrated in Kakinada with great devotion and enthusiasm. The festival honors Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. People install beautifully crafted Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, offering prayers, flowers, and sweets like modaks. The city comes alive with music, decorations, and community gatherings. After several days of worship, the idols are immersed in water bodies with grand processions, symbolizing the Lord’s return to his celestial abode.

Vijayadashami, also known as Dasara, is celebrated in Kakinada with great devotion and cultural vibrance. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana. Temples and streets are beautifully decorated, and people participate in special prayers and cultural programs. Traditional performances like dramas and dances depicting scenes from the Ramayana are organized across the city. It is also considered an auspicious day to begin new ventures, reflecting hope, strength, and prosperity

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated in Kakinada with immense joy and brightness. Homes, streets, and temples are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. People wear new clothes, exchange sweets and gifts, and burst fireworks to celebrate the occasion. Many also perform Lakshmi Puja, praying for prosperity and happiness. The festive atmosphere, sparkling decorations, and joyful gatherings make Diwali one of the most cherished celebrations in Kakinada.

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in Kakinada with great devotion and joy to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Temples are beautifully decorated, and devotees sing devotional songs, perform dances, and recite stories from Krishna’s life. Special prayers and midnight celebrations are held to honor the time of his birth. Children often dress up as little Krishna and Radha, adding charm to the festivities. The city’s temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Krishna, attract large gatherings of devotees during this sacred occasion.